One of the challenges that I've set for myself this year (amongst others) is to inspire more rigid heddle weavers to add a second or third heddle and learn to weave 4-shaft patterns. I figure the best way to do that was to go to the bible of 4-shaft loom patterns, The Handweavers Pattern Directory by Anne Dixion.
But I will not be weaving all 600+ 4-shaft weaving patterns found in this illustrious tome.
Nope.
There are two specific types of weaving patterns that I will NOT be bothering myself about trying. And I feel not an ounce of guilt about it.
Oh, it's not overshot, or monks belt, I'll be doing the lace sections and a lot of point twills.
The sections and pattern types that I will be skipping guilt-free are the ones that share a similarity to boiled okra.
Yes. Okra AKA lady fingers, Bhindi, Okro
If you are thoroughly confused don't worry. It all makes complete sense :-)
I like fried okra. I like pickled okra. I like okra with tomato Indian curry. I can sometimes even do vegetarian Trini calaloo.
So I feel not an ounce of guilt for not trying anyone's boiled okra. I had the t-shirt. I gave it back. I don't like it.
In the same way, there are patterns found in the Directory that are either easier woven using one heddle or can be achieved using a simpler method. I spell them all out in the video.
The bottom line is. I don't believe that you have to experience the unappealing method of something when the easy methods work just as well.
There are HUNDREDS of 4-shaft weaving patterns that I can try out without needing to do any of the few ones that I don't. I could make myself do the unenjoyable ones. . . But I would rather enjoy this year of sampling drafts :-)
And Inspire you through my JOY.
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